California C-39 Roofing Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Workers' Comp
The C-39 license is the California classification for roofing contractors. A C-39 contractor is authorized to install, repair, recover, and waterproof roof coverings and the systems that keep a roof weather-tight — and any roofing job of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials must be done by a licensed contractor. C-39 roofers must carry workers' compensation insurance regardless of whether they have employees.
Verified against CSLB on · reflects current CSLB rules and California law.
Summary — key takeaways
- C-39 is the CSLB classification for roofing contractors.
- It covers installing, repairing, recovering, and waterproofing roof coverings.
- Roofing work of $1,000+ (labor + materials) requires a licensed contractor (AB 2622, 2025).
- C-39 roofers must carry workers' comp regardless of employees — already required before SB 216.
- Verify a roofer's C-39 is Active on CSLB or in this directory before hiring.
What a C-39 roofing license permits
The C-39 classification covers installing, repairing, recovering, and waterproofing roof coverings and the related components that make a roof weather-tight — the materials and methods used to apply, install, or remove roofing on the surface or deck over a building's support or framework.
It does not by itself authorize unrelated structural, framing, or sheet-metal work outside the roofing system. A contractor needs the matching classification for trades beyond the roof covering, or a B General Building license where the project spans at least two unrelated trades.
What roofing work legally requires a licensed contractor
Any roofing project where combined labor and materials total $1,000 or more must be performed by a CSLB-licensed contractor — the threshold rose from $500 to $1,000 on January 1, 2025 under Assembly Bill 2622 (Business & Professions Code §7048).
Below $1,000, a narrow minor-work exemption can apply, but only if the job isn't part of a larger project and the person discloses they aren't licensed. For a re-roof or significant repair, look specifically for an Active C-39 (or a B General Building license where the scope qualifies).
How to verify a C-39 roofing contractor
Confirm the license is Active and the C-39 classification is listed — on the CSLB "Check a License" tool or on the contractor's profile in this directory. Match the license to the business you're hiring, check the $25,000 contractor bond is on file (Business & Professions Code §7071.6), and confirm workers' compensation coverage.
You can browse Active C-39 roofers by city in the California roofing directory and see each one's dated CSLB status before you hire.
The roofing workers' compensation rule
C-39 roofing contractors are required to carry workers' compensation insurance regardless of whether they have employees — roofers were already subject to this before the broader changes. Senate Bill 216 extended the same regardless-of-employees requirement to C-8 (concrete), C-20 (HVAC), C-22 (asbestos abatement), and D-49 (tree service) contractors, and Senate Bill 1455 delayed the universal requirement for all remaining classifications to January 1, 2028.
For roofing there is no employee-based exemption — every C-39 must carry coverage. That matters because roofing is high-risk work, and an uninsured injury on your property can expose you to the cost.
Frequently asked questions
What does a C-39 roofing license cover?
Installing, repairing, recovering, and waterproofing roof coverings and the related systems that keep a roof weather-tight. Work outside the roofing system needs the matching classification, or a B General Building license on a multi-trade project.
Does a roofer need workers' comp in California?
Yes. C-39 roofing contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance regardless of whether they have employees — there is no no-employee exemption for roofers. Confirm coverage before hiring.
How do I check if a roofer is licensed in California?
Look up the license on the CSLB "Check a License" tool or in this directory and confirm it reads Active with the C-39 classification, held by the business you're hiring.
Can a general contractor do roofing without a C-39?
A licensed B General Building contractor can perform roofing when it's part of a project involving at least two unrelated trades. For a standalone roofing job, look for a C-39 roofing classification.
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